Durock Daybreak vs. Everglide Rice Pudding

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Daybreak and Everglide Rice Pudding present two distinct options catering to different preferences and typing styles. The Durock Daybreak switches are renowned for their solid 67g actuation force, offering users a heftier typing experience that demands more intention with each keystroke. This feature, combined with their quiet operation, makes them an ideal choice for professionals in shared workspaces or environments where minimizing noise is a priority. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches are celebrated for their balanced blend of smooth actuation and deep sound, providing a satisfying yet precise typing experience. Additionally, their full compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards adds a layer of versatility that appeals to gaming enthusiasts and performance seekers alike. Ultimately, while both switches have their own unique strengths—Daybreak's muted robustness versus Rice Pudding's smoothness and adaptability—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Daybreak Linear

Everglide Rice Pudding Hall Effect

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

$8.00

$6.79 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Durock Daybreak and Everglide Rice Pudding switches share a strong similarity in their top housing materials, both made from polycarbonate. This design choice ensures that both switches deliver a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate. The translucency of this material is also particularly advantageous for RGB enthusiasts, allowing for vibrant lighting to shine through the top housing. Consequently, users seeking a visually appealing and sonically clear typing experience will find that both the Daybreak and Rice Pudding switches meet these criteria, producing similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics.

In contrast, the bottom housings of both switches differ, with each made from nylon. This classic material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics. The softer nature of the nylon also creates a more rounded and subdued sound, enriching the overall auditory experience with a comforting depth. Given this distinction, the impact of switching between the two models is less pronounced during key presses since the bottom housing is more influential on the bottom-out feel and sound. However, despite the separated attributes of the housing materials, both switches provide a balanced acoustic experience through the combination of their respective materials.

Ultimately, when considering the overall sound profile of the Durock Daybreak and Everglide Rice Pudding switches, users can expect a harmonious blend of characteristics. While both switches leverage polycarbonate in their top housing for a clear and resonant sound, they employ nylon in the bottom housing to enhance depth and warmth. As a result, the sound experience when typing on either switch remains rich and diverse, capturing the best of both materials. Users will appreciate the nuanced sound profiles that stem from the combination of polycarbonate and nylon regardless of which switch they choose, delivering satisfying feedback and tactile enjoyment whether typing or gaming.

Weight

The Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch exhibit notable differences in both their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different user preferences. The Daybreak switch has an unknown actuation force but features a bottom out force of 67 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy and likely providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Rice Pudding switch offers a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for long typing sessions or gaming. As such, the Rice Pudding switch is considered lighter overall, while the Daybreak is heavier. For those seeking a more tactile feedback with a stronger push feel, the Daybreak may be more appealing, whereas the Rice Pudding suits those who value ease of actuation and prolonged use without fatigue.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, the Daybreak features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Rice Pudding has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Durock Daybreak is designed for a deeper feel during key presses, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial tactile experience. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding, with its shorter travel distance, provides a slightly quicker response time, making it an attractive option for gamers seeking fast actuation. Ultimately, if you're looking for a switch that offers a hearty depth, the Daybreak would be the better choice; however, for those who prioritize promptness and agility, the Rice Pudding would be more suitable.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Durock Daybreak switches are characterized by their muted operation, producing a softer and quieter sound than many traditional mechanical switches. Their low-pitched quality adds a bass-heavy, mellow tone that makes them suitable for environments where noise control is a priority. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch’s sound profile is not described in detail; however, one can expect that its smooth operation contributes to overall auditory pleasantness. It's essential to keep in mind that the ultimate sound experience can be influenced by numerous factors like the keyboard’s build and the keycaps used, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons

Regarding the feel, the Durock Daybreak switches provide a polished typing experience due to their smooth and refined finish, leading to reduced friction and a pleasant key travel sensation. This results in a typing experience that feels both sleek and satisfying. The feel characteristics of the Rice Pudding switch are currently unknown, making it challenging to compare directly. Still, those who prioritize smoothness and comfort will likely find that both switches cater to a quality typing experience, albeit through different means.

In summary, the Durock Daybreak linear switch is ideal for users seeking a heavier actuation force coupled with a muted, low-pitched sound environment, as well as a polished feel during typing. The Everglide Rice Pudding switch, while lacking detailed sound and feel descriptions, offers a smooth operation and versatility through its compatibility with Wooting's keyboards. Both switches are well-regarded but cater to slightly different preferences: the Daybreak prioritizes typing weight and quietness, while the Rice Pudding suggests a balance of smoothness and performance. Depending on your focus—whether it's sound or feel—either option may provide a satisfying mechanical experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Durock Daybreak linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing needs. If you favor a heftier keystroke that provides more resistance, the Daybreak is an excellent option, especially in environments where quiet operation is key due to its low-pitched and muted sound profile. This switch is ideal for work or study settings where distraction from noise is minimized, as its 67g bottom-out force offers a substantial feel that can enhance your typing precision. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter and more versatile switch, the Rice Pudding is perfect for you, especially if you are considering performance on innovative keyboards like those from Wooting. With a lighter bottom-out force of 48g and a smoother operation, this switch delivers a satisfying tactile experience while allowing for a more responsive typing session. So, think about where and how you’ll be using your keyboard, as well as the kind of typing feel and sound you appreciate, and choose the switch that best aligns with your style.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Daybreak Linear

$6.87

$5.41 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Rice Pudding Hall Effect

$8.00

$6.79 per 10

Learn more